Name: Clare Gilham

Job Title: Assistant Professor

Faculty: EPH

Q1. Tell us about a project you are working on right now?

I am updating two large cohorts that were established 20 and 30 years ago respectively. Women attending for routine cervical screening gave samples for HPV testing which was long before HPV testing became a routine part of the screening programme. I’m estimating the risk of pre-cancer and cancer following HPV infection with a view of making recommendations to improve the national screening programme. More details can be found on our web page.

Q2. What are your top skills/areas of expertise?

Rather than working on a wide range of projects, I’ve generally specialised in two areas of cancer epidemiology, namely cervical cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer caused by asbestos).

Q3. If everything goes to plan with your current work, what will you have achieved in 5 years’ time?

In the current climate, it’s hard to believe that anything will go to plan! However, the move towards research into HPV self-sampling methods has an additional benefit that screening need not be interrupted by a global pandemic.

Q4. Describe your career journey so far – what were you doing before this role?

My first job from university was for the Public Health Laboratory Service which involved flu surveillance and foodborne outbreaks. I’ve been working in my current role for 23 years, initially employed by the Institute of Cancer Research and then moving across to LSHTM in 2004.

Q5. Have you always wanted to work in health research? 

As a teenager I planned to be a chef but ended up getting a degree in Medical Statistics. I did a placement year working in the pharmaceutical industry but then discovered the freedom of working in the world of epidemiology, where it seemed I could make a real difference….but perhaps one day I’ll still be a pastry chef!

Q6. What’s the most recent paper you read, and what was interesting about it?

We can learn a lot from how other countries are screening for HPV. I’ve just read this paper which presents data from the final round of cervical screening among women aged 60-64 in Denmark. This is particularly interesting because I feel research into screening older women hasn’t been adequately addressed by the UK nations – a topic I recently wrote about in a BMJ editorial.

Q7. What about non-academic – are there any books/series/podcasts you’d recommend?

My favourite books are those where I get an insight into a new place or time. Recently I’ve read “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” by Mark Sullivan based on a true story of a young Italian war hero. Also “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins which isn’t based on a true story, but could be and so is utterly heart-wrenching.

Q8. Who’s your inspiration?

My dad died very recently and so obviously I’ve been reflecting on his life and influence. He was extremely generous and encouraged those in his life both at home and work to be the best they could be.

Q9. What’s your favourite thing about working at LSHTM?

The ability to pursue the research activities I’m most passionate about.

Q10. If you could have dinner with any current or historical figure, who would you pick? Why?

I’d choose someone who would also show me how to cook our dinner – perhaps Gordon Ramsay who would be particularly entertaining!

Q11. When I’m not working, I’m…?

Being a mum to my teenage girls, making macarons or icing a cake.

Q12. How can people get in contact with you?

clare.gilham@lshtm.ac.uk